Davide’s ‘zero’ performance
Gov. Hilario Davide III said he will not deliver a State of the Province Address (Sopa) during the 449th founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu as there is nothing remarkable to report to the Cebuanos for the past one year of his administration. Is this tantamount to admitting he has “zero” accomplishment in the past year?
While local chief executives delivering a State of the City Address (Soca) or State of the Province Address (Sopa) is not obligatory but customary or a tradition that local chief executives do annually, it is usually done on the anniversary of the officials’ assumption into office or if there is a significant occasion.
The timing, venue and purpose of the Soca or Sopa can vary significantly depending on local history and practice. Most are held and delivered before the members of the municipal and city councils and provincial board with few invited guests like members of the business community and people’s organizations. The address is usually used to outline the local chief executive’s legislative proposals and policy directions for the upcoming year.
The Soca or Sopa is a sort of a report card by the local chief executive to his/her constituents and is likewise the presentation of his/her programs and plans for the next term. This is where the constituents would know the “highlights” of the present administration’s rule. Not doing it could mean zero performance. And that is what is happening in the Davide administration.
Davide is hyping his accomplishments by advertising in the mainstream media, specifically radio, which has a wider reach. Capitol contracted an advertising agency to handle such project because its public information office is remiss in its duties. Capitol appropriated some P3.2 million for the project.
But there is another way to disseminate information, the Sopa, which is free. But the governor won’t avail of it. It is free because the governor will only have to read his speech and enumerate his accomplishments. It will be covered by the media.
Syaro og wala gyud siyay ikayawit. Mahadlok siyang mamakak o masayop? Mora ni siyag Intsek. Daghan sulti, daghan sayop. Maayo pa wala sulti. As the saying goes, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Why won’t Davide report the achievements the Capitol advertised in local newspapers not too long ago? It bought the front pages of local newspapers and came up with false headlines about his achievements, like the purchase of light and heavy equipment and the upgrading of various district hospitals.
Why won’t Davide highlight those farm to market roads and agricultural areas initiated by his uncle, Dr. Romulo Davide, who is his consultant on agricultural matters? Dr. Davide sent me voluminous documents on his projects that helped the underprivileged sectors like the farmers and fisherfolk. Walay kalibutan si Junjun ani?
Why won’t the governor report on the recently sealed lot swap with the Cebu City Government and outline his plans for these lots? What is the plan for the 2.5 hectares lot at the South Road Properties (SRP) acquired by the province as part of the deal? Iya pa kunong estudyuhan. Way Sopa kay way nahimo. Pagkatoytoy.